2024-03-23 16:33:57
The famous dancer from Palermo is the protagonist of the docu-film «Eleonora Abbagnato. A dancing star”, broadcast in prime time on March 29 on Rai3 and Raiplay
“When I entered the Paris Opera dance school, I was the only Italian and the mothers of the other dancers called me little breathing. Today it would be ridiculous, at that time I did not know the weight of the mafia issue and I laughed about it… I was only 14 years old. ” But then the mafioso Eleonora Abbagnato will become the Étoile of the Opéra in 2013, the first Italian woman to take this role. The story of stability, sacrifice and determination of the great dancer from Palermo, the current director of the Ballet of the Teatro dell’Opera di Roma, which is now told in a docu-film. Eleonora Abbagnato. Dancing staron Rai3 on March 29, directed by Irish Braschi, produced by Matteo Levi.
Defined as mafia, why Sicilian?
“I don’t know, but the Mafia-Sicily connection is possible. And when I was Étoile, I received an anonymous letter too, where it was written: let’s get rid of the Sicilian mafia. ”
From whom did you inherit your passion for dancing?
«I don’t have anyone in my family who has been interested in this art, but when I was little my mother, who had to go to work in Palermo, put me in the dance school of her friend Marisa Benassai. I attend lessons from morning to evening. And it all started from there.”
A difficult path, made step by step, so to speak, to reach the heights of success.
“I’ve always decided…”
So decided that, while still a young woman, she allowed herself to tell the teacher not to take another dancer, because it was not good…
“Yes, yes. I am eight years old and I have been the head of the school dance, but I am not malicious, nor am I jealous of my classmates. Competition is natural in our work, to compare yourself with others and create your own measure.”
A 360-degree view, without a moment’s hesitation?
“The moments of doubt have never been lacking. When I’m preparing with the teacher for a role and, maybe, I don’t know how to play well, I pretend that I have to go to the bathroom and leave the room, I don’t want to be seen in trouble. .”
Among the most in-demand teachers?
“First of all Roland Petit: extraordinary, not too violent. If I don’t achieve what you want, chairs will fly at me, and even harsh words… today will have to report, but he gave me strength. And then Claude Bessy, the director of the Opera School who once forced me to skate, knowing that I’m not strong. Singers are always tough, they want the best from me, because they understand that I have opportunities.”
Even Pina Bausch?
“A wonderful experience with your dance theater: a completely new commitment for me. She notes in detail: to explain a movement to you, your explanation can last two hours. “
Another unusual experience is the film «Il 7 e l’8» with Ficarra and Picone, his fellow citizens.
“Very funny. I took the idea because I wanted to break away from the difficult situation of waiting, that is, choosing like Étoile… I needed to distract myself.”
Many achievements, many awards, many accolades…
“And a lot of loneliness, the distance from your shell of affection, which you have to deal with: painful, but important and, in some cases, exhilarating. The price to pay for success is very high.”
But his daughter Julia followed in his footsteps: a twelve-year-old with an idea that appeared at the end of the docu-film in the role of the child’s mother …
“Yes, but I’m not the one who guides you in my steps. And – he laughs – our son Gabriel instead of football, following his football father, my husband Federico Balzaretti. Past destinies.”
Future projects?
“The ballet Roman Nights from April 26 at the Palais des Congrès in Paris, then on tour”.
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March 23, 2024 (updated March 23, 2024 | 5:33 pm)
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